Philippians 4: 2,3

Whether trivial or more serious, most of us have experienced differences of opinion among people in the churches we have attended. Sometimes we may even find that we are the ones caught up in disagreements. How should we handle these moments when they arise?

In just two verses, through both what he does and doesn't do, Paul provides a masterclass in handling conflict within the church as he responds to the dispute between fellow believers, Euodia and Syntyche, in Philippi. In this message we examine how Paul addresses the issue directly instead of avoiding it; how he entreats rather than orders or commands; how he focuses on similarities instead of differences; how he provides practical support instead of isolating; and how he affirms instead of condemning.